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Animal Tech Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Animal Care Technician (ACE)

Blacksburg, VA

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

Animal Care Technician (ACE) Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537470 Work type: Staff ... About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the ...

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Phenom People

Veterinary Technician

Winchester, VA · On-site

$31.25/hr

Other nationally recognized animal technology licenses and certifications (e.g., Laboratory Animal Technician, Laboratory Animal Technologist, etc.) * Be a U.S. Citizen and possess a valid U.S.

Virginia Tech

Large Animal Care Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$16.26/hr

Large Animal Care Assistant Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536903 Work type: Hourly Wage ... About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the ...

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Animal Tech information

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How much do animal tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal tech in Virginia is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $24.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal tech?

Animal Technicians, often called Animal Techs, are professionals responsible for the daily care and welfare of animals in research facilities, laboratories, or veterinary clinics. Their duties typically include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and maintaining proper living conditions. Animal Techs also assist scientists or veterinarians with procedures, recordkeeping, and ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations. This role is essential in supporting research and ensuring humane treatment of animals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal tech?

To thrive as an Animal Tech, you need knowledge of animal care protocols, basic biology, and often a relevant certification such as ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician). Familiarity with laboratory information management systems, animal handling equipment, and compliance with regulatory standards like IACUC is common. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help you manage animal welfare and collaborate effectively with research teams. These skills ensure both animal well-being and the integrity of scientific research in laboratory environments.

What are common challenges animal techs face when working with laboratory animals, and how can these be managed?

Animal Technicians often encounter challenges such as balancing strict research protocols with the welfare needs of animals and managing emotional stress related to animal care. To address these, technicians work closely with veterinarians and research staff to ensure all procedures follow ethical guidelines, and many institutions provide ongoing training and support resources. Building strong communication skills and being proactive in reporting concerns are key to maintaining both animal well-being and high research standards.

What is the difference between Animal Tech vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectAnimal TechVeterinary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, kennels, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageAnimal care facilities, research institutionsVeterinary practices, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentAnimal Tech vs Veterinary Assistant

Animal Techs and Veterinary Assistants both work closely with animals in care settings, but Animal Techs often focus on animal handling, feeding, and shelter management, while Veterinary Assistants support veterinarians with clinical tasks. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but their specific duties and settings differ.

How to become an animal tech?

To become an animal tech, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience or training in animal care. Many employers prefer candidates with certifications such as veterinary technician or animal care certificates, and hands-on experience working with animals in shelters, clinics, or research facilities is valuable. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle animals safely are also important.
Animal Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Tech job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,407 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Blacksburg, VA

Virginia Tech
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Free food

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Virginia Techexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536272
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Animal Sciences
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences (SAS) at Virginia Tech is searching for a coordinator to lead in the provision of clinical animal behavior services with owners and their pets, mentor students in this service, and assist in the development of a research line that would include but not be limited to the study of companion animal behavior, training, and welfare.
The coordinator in this position will be expected to provide behavior consultation and training services to owners and their pets; provide classroom and experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students; and carry out research that explore companion animal problem behaviors as informed by the clinical service. This position will be involved in community outreach through the provision and dissemination of evidence-based practices as well as collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other industry professionals.
As such, applicants must have a strong understanding of learning theory/behavior analysis and its application with companion animals, a robust comprehension of applied animal research, and awareness of relevant issues in the field of companion animal behavior and welfare.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and their pets, including consultations and training sessions (60%)
Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior (15%)
Help create, assemble and deliver companion animal behavior curriculum (15%)
Conduct research related to companion animal behavior, particularly problematic behaviors (10%)

Required Qualifications

Master's or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field; Experience providing companion animal consultation and training services and conducting applied animal research; Mentorship of undergraduates and/or graduate students; Evidence of instructional abilities with undergraduate and/or graduate students. Strong organizational and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in addressing complex companion animal behavior problems (e.g., fear, anxiety, and aggression); Experience carrying out companion animal behavioral and/or welfare research; Interest in wearable animal technologies for collection of physiological data.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

08/23/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lisa Gunter at lisagunter@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: April 28, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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Benefits

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